The Research Pyramid for Evidence: An Update and Applications

To assist occupational therapy practitioners more thoroughly apply all types of published evidence in their settings, the research pyramid model was formulated (Tomlin & Borgetto, 2011). Since its inception the model has... [ view full abstract ]

To assist occupational therapy practitioners more thoroughly apply all types of published evidence in their settings, the research pyramid model was formulated (Tomlin & Borgetto, 2011). Since its inception the model has evolved to examine more closely causality, and equivalencies among different types of evidence, and has been applied in two major diagnostic categories of therapy: for persons with CVA (Ryan, 2013) and autism spectrum disorder (Swinth, Tomlin, & Luthman, 2015; Gedrimas, 2015). This presentation will contain a brief review of the original pyramid model, an explanation of its current evolution, and an extensive demonstration of how applications of the model incorporate qualitative research to inform professional practice. This contribution, in the cases of CVA and autism, has been to greatly expand the scope of potential practice by identifying outcomes valued by clients, as opposed to limiting practice to evidence-based goals formulated by practitioners on behalf of clients. The role of published evidence in professional decision-making with clients will also be discussed.